Canadiens: Joshua Roy Sent Back Down To Laval Rocket

The Canadiens announced that Joshua Roy has been loaned back to Laval on Wednesday. Roy played in six games for the Canadiens, registering a goal and an assist, both of which were ones to remember. Roy will rejoin the red-hot Laval Rocket, looking to pick up where he left. In 34 games with the Rocket this year, the 20-year-old rookie has 30 points.

The demotion is hardly a reflection of his play, but rather a sign that the Canadiens are being patient in Roy’s development. They gave him a taste of the NHL and let him play in a top-six role, and are sending him back down, presumably with stuff to work on. I don’t think the intention was for Roy to stay up very long, especially now with the Rocket in the playoff push once again. They’ll need Roy down the stretch for sure.

Roy played well for the Canadiens in his brief time up with the big club, posting a five-on-five xGF% of 58.49%, which is very good. Essentially, what this means is that when Roy was on the ice, the Canadiens had a larger share of expected goals. The Canadiens were expected to score more often than their opponent when he was on the ice. For a rookie, six games into his NHL career, and in his first season of the pro ranks, that is very good.

For now, Roy will be in Laval, but he’s played well in both Laval and Montreal, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets the call-up if the Habs need a player. Especially if they want someone who can contribute. With the way he’s played thus far, it’s hard to envision Roy playing in Laval again next year. With each passing game, he’s inching closer and closer to a roster spot in Montreal for next season.

In the end, this is the right move for Roy. Patience in development will always be essential, and Roy is no different. Sending him back down to a place where he can play a ton of minutes and thrive is ideal for him. He’s still only 20 and has just 40 games of pro experience between the AHL and NHL under his belt. But he’ll be back soon enough. For a fifth-round pick, Roy is looking like a player who can potentially carve out a top-six role very soon.